Method of working glass and articles produced thereby



April 2l, 1936. E. BANNER 2,037,853

4 METHOD OF WORKING GLASS AND ARTICLES PRODUCED THEREBY Filed Feb. 9, 1935v 10 Sheets-Sheet l gmc/who@ A www /cM/m? agave/wf: i

April 21, 1936. E. DA'NNER 2,037,853

METHOD OF WORKING GLASS AND ARTICLES PRODUCED THEREBY Filed Feb. 9, 1933 lO Sheets-Sheet 2 H Il April 2l, 1936. E BANNER 2,037,853

METHOD OF WORKING GLASS AND ARTICLES PRODUCED THEREBY Filed Feb. 9, 1933 10 Sheets-Sheet 3 April 21, 1936. E BANNER 2,037,853

METHD OF' WORKING GLASS AND ARTICLESl PRODUCED THEREBY 'Filed Feb. 9, 1953 1o sheets-sheet'4 o 10o. 1 Q2v /w 17.1 10S 1m (if m6 I |I Il E.

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u A @dwg/ca 09a/ww April 21, 1936.

E. DANNER METHOD OF WORKING GLASS AND ARTICLES PRODUCED THEREBY Filed Feb. 9, 1933 lO Sheets-Sheet 6 1 vu@ 11h31/ n dwg/Magaa@ elf/@WM April 21, 1936. E.y DANNER METHOD OF' WORKING GLASS AND ARTICLES PRODUCED THEREBY Filed Feb. 9, 1953 1o sheets-sheet 6 @wf #QW/M April 21, 1936. E, BANNER 2,037,853

METHOD OF WORKING GLASS AND ARTICLES PRODUCED THEREBY Filed Feb. 9, 1953 10 Sheets-55h96?l 7 3 wu cnam April 21, 1936.

E. DANNER METHOD OF WORKING GLASS AND ARTICLES PRODUCED THEREBY Filed Feb. 9, 1933 lO Sheets-Sheet 9 TCIZO gmc/nm @wd/afgana@ www April 21, 1936. E. DANNI-:R 2,037,853

METHOD OF WORKING' GLASS AND ARTICLES `PRODUCED THEREBY Filed Feb. 9, 1935 10 Sheets-Sheet lO .mmf IHM lllll GMM/WMA Patented Apr. 2l, 1936 UNITED sTATEs METHOD OF WORKING GLASS AND-ARIEL. CLES PRODUCED T HEREBY Edward Danner, Newark. Ohio Application February 9, 1933, Serial No. 656,687 '1v claims. (ci. 1a-sz) My invention has for its object to provide a method for manipulating glass having relative rigidity of form to enable substantially accurate progressive disposition of portions, heated to produce integration either with previously deposited portions or with an article of manufacture formed of a material to which glass is adherable, the relative rigidity of the glass previous to its application being such as to enable control both as to directing the glass and accurate disposition.

The invention provides a method for using glass preferably in forms having small cross sectional areas wherein glass articles may be shaped on molds or cores that are so formed or treated as to prevent adherence of the glass to the molds or cores, such as by the use of graphite, but wherein progressive integration of the deposited glass is produced. Separate portions of glass,

o that may, if desired, have different colors, may

be intermingled or deposited sequentially, coincidentally or contiguously.

The invention provides a method for working glass whereby the glass is supported in prede- ,5 termined form and maintained at a fused heat as it is applied to an article or is formed into an f article. Thus my invention provides an exceedingly eii'lcient method of producing glass articles or decorating articles to which glass is adherable 30 upon fusion, since it enables accurately con-l trolled application. of the glass in its manipu1ation to produce either articles of glass of any desiredthickness or glass decorations of any desired depth and contour.

The invention thus may be used for applying glass parts threaded onto wire, or wire reinforced molten glass, that have substantial rigidity that gives the glass a directive quality and enables accurate manipulation. The glass may 40 be fused progressively and applied to previously f shaped or deposited portions of glass. Thus, the

invention may be used for applying glass to articles composed of any materials to which glass, when fused, is adherable, such as china, clay,

45 and steel. I have found by using reinforcing wire that fused .glass may be applied to various materials besides those named above, since the wire operates to bind and prevent spawling and operates to maintain the applied glass intact and retain it in its position. Thus, the invention provides a method and means for working, glass whereby glass may be fused to a wire and xedly applied while in a cohesive state to an article or formed into a glass article.

55 Thus, my invention comprehends the working of glass preferably formed to have small cross sectional areas and rendered directive in its applicatio by means of 'wire extending therethrough when the glass'is in a molten or fused state or when in the form of beads or bugles or 5 tubes of various lengths. When used in bar form, such as solid bars or tubes, and when reinforced by use of wire, the solid glass is progressively advanced by pressure or by drawing the wire and fused immediately in advance of 10 its application to articles of commerce or is y shaped by the use of articles, such as cores or molds or patterns, into glass articles. The wire operates to direct and maintain continuity of movement of the glass to the point of applica- 15 tion, preferably by a drawing of the wire, which draws, directs, and feeds the glass to the article or the form used in shaping the glass into an article. When molten glass is deposited on the wire the wire operates to maintainthe continuity of the stream and aids in forming the size of the stream and the application to articles or in building or shaping articles uniformly to produce articles having desired cross sectional areas and dimension. Where the wire is used, the glass that is either deposited on articles, or is used tc form articles. is reinforced when the glass solidifles, and consequently the article to which it is applied, or into which it is formed, is reinforced by the wire.

In the conduct of the method involving the use of my, invention I' have found' it preferable to use wire having arelatively high fusion point, and one` having a suitable tensile strength. The tensile strength should'preferably vary accord- 3,5 ing to the use to which the article formed, or to which the glass is applied, is to be put or accordingl to the thickness of glass deposited. Where the quantity of the glass deposited on the wire is relatively large in cross sectional area, the larger 40 wire is 4preferable to -provide the desired tensile strength both in its application and to withstand the strains that often are produced during the cooling of the glass. Where glass having small cross sectional area, is applied, a smaller wire is '45 preferred by reason of the diierence in thecoe'icient of expansion of the wire and the glass that might otherwise cause spawling of the glass owing to the fact that the glass may have a lesser tensile strength and insuicient to withstand the strains that would be set up by reason of thel difference in contraction ofthe larger wire and therelatively smaller quantity of glass.

The invention also provides for the use of one or more wires for the simultaneous manipulation and application of the corresponding number of glass streams or lines, or two or more wires may be used in applying glass in ribbon form and forming a glass web between adjacently located wires and applied in such form to an article, or

may be passed either up through the 'glass mass or downward through the molten glass and in desired quantities per unit of length of the wire. The wire allords a reinforcement of the molten glass stream that may be as small or line as desired and enables accurate and easy manipulation of the glass stream in a manner that otherwise would be impossible because of its lack of the required tenacity as between portions of molten glass. The wire enables manipulation of the glass by relatively unskilled users since the glass will follow with accuracy the manipulation of the wire.

The glass that is worked or manipulated may be shaped to have a predetermined form either by drawing the Wire through an opening having a particular shape to either form it cylindrically or in ribbon form or other cross-sectional shape. Also, bugles, beads, or tubing may be threaded upon the wire, which gives the glass a predetermined form in advance of its being worked to l either form articles or decorate articles. To manipulate the glass, it is .directed to a support to which the glass may or may not be adherable, the support cooperating to shape the glass as it is being deposited and while the undeposited glass and the support are moved relative to each other. Thus, the glass in the form of a strand, that is, in the form of a strip, or ribbon, or thread, or string. or stream having a small cross-sectional area, is located on wire and deposited on a suitable support. Where the strand of glass is deposited on an article or a support that is adherable to glass. or where the strand is so deposited as to cause portions of the strand to be placed in contacting relation with respect to previously deposited portions of the same strandrthere is produced a cross-wise bonding of portions or turns of the strand to rigidly maintain the said portions in their positions in which they were deposited.

The invention also provides apparatus for carrying out the method referred to above and comprises primarily a means for heating glass and directing it to points of application while controlled as to its amount and its rate of application and manipulation of the article or mold by which the glass is shaped. The apparatus in which the method may be conducted may partake of different forms.

Other features and advantages of my invention will be apparent upon examination of the drawings led in connection herewith and the description of the invention hereinafter set forth. The method may be greatly modiiled as to the steps in the operation. To illustrate a practical application of the invention, I have selected three distinct forms of the apparatus as illustrative of the various embodiments and uses of the invention and shall describe the selected apparatus and method hereinafter. The apparatus selected for purposes of illustration are shown in the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 illustrates a means for manipulating glass bodies and the application of the glass to the bodies. Fig. 2 is a broken view illustrating a view of a section of the guide and the burner shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 illustrates one of the many results that may be produced by the operation of .for application to the body on a wire.

the appaifms illustrated in Fig. 1. Figs. 4, 5, s. and 7 illustrate the glass assembled in various forms preparatory to its application. Fig. 4 illustrates a plurality of beads threaded on the wire vu'that directs the glass to the article. Fig. 5 illusshaped into a glass article on a core whilefus'ed."A

In depositing molten glass on wire, the wire.

trates -a plurality of wires, each of which is provided with beads of similar or different colors to produce the desired tints or shades or colors. Fig. 6 illustrates a plurality o'f bugles assembled Fig. 7- illustrates a further variation of the assembled glass in which the beads or bugles or tubes of any length may be used and located within a glass tube. Fig. 8 illustrates a view of the section of the part of the apparatus in which an article or a shaping core may be heated, manipulated, and maintained at a desired temperature. Fig. 9 illustrates a further modified form of apparatus for the working of glass. Fig. 10 illustrates a reel for feeding glass. Fig. 11 illustrates a guide for directing glass. Fig. l2 illustrates glass applied to an article for decorative purposes. Fig. 13 illustrates a modified form of glass heater wherein a plurality of heating units are stacked to form a heating tunnel or tower. Fig. 14 illustrates a view of a section taken on the plane of the line |4-I4 indicated in Fig. 13. Fig. 15 is a view of a section taken on the plane of the line i-I5 indicated in Fig. 14. Fig. 16 is a view of a section taken on the plane of the line iii-i6 indicated in Fig. 15. Figs. 14, 15, and 16 illustrate sections of parts of the apparatus illustrated in Fig. 13. Fig. 17 illustrates a front view of a furnace, shown partially broken, for heating and gathering glass. Fig. 18 is a view of a section taken on the plane of the line l8-I8 indicated in Fig. 17. Fig. 19 illustrates a view of a section taken on the plane of the line I9--I9 indicated in Fig. 18. Fig. 20 illustrates a view of a vertical section through the glass working part of the furnace. Fig. 2l illustrates a view of a section of a modified form of the glass ydelivery part of the furnace shown in Figs. 17, 18, and 19. Fig. 22 illustrates a modified form of glass delivering means. Fig. 23 illustrates a modified form of working receptacle wherein threaded beads may be surrounded with glass to fuse the beads and produce adherence of the glass of the beads and the surrounding glass. Fig. 24 illustrates a seal to prevent the escape of the glass and permit the movement of the wire into the working receptacle. Fig. 25 illustrates a flow control for directing glass to a wire.

In the form of apparatus illustrated in Fig. l, means is provided for fusing subdivided portions of solid glass supported on wire and depositing the fused glass on an article, or shaping the glass into desired forms. The glass in the form of beads, bugles or tubes, is threaded upon a wire in any desired arrangement and is conveyed by the wire through the heater. The glass portions are fused to cause them to coalesce by the heat of the flames and to adhere to an article to which they are directed, or to parts of the glass previously deposited on a core and to which they are drawn by winding of the wire and the glass. Also means are provided for directing glass beads 0r tubes, having desired lengths, size, shapes and colors, which may be assembled .as may be desired for progressively feeding the beads to the point of application of the glass of the beads to the part on, or in which the glass is shaped and wherein means is provided for fusing the glass of the beads as it passes to, or through, a point located 23 are freely longitudinally movable in the bearin proximity to the point of application of the glass. The glass beads are located in a tubular member, such as the tube 2, which extends to a point near the burner. The burner v3 is supported on the shell 4 that may be tubular in form' and supported -by a suitable bracket 5. The upper end of the shell 4 may be connected to the source of supply'of fuel gas and air by means of the tube 8.

The burner and the guide are preferably supported for ready adjustment and location with reference to the article, or forming body. to which the glass beads are directed. The bracket 5 may be pivotally supported for swinging movements to enable ready adjustment of the burner with reference to the article to which the glass is to be applied. In the particular form of construction shown, the bracket 5 is provided with thumb screws .8 for securing the shell 4 at the desired height with reference to the article to which the glass of the beads I is to be applied. Further, ready adjustment is provided by means of jointed parts ofthe bracket 5. Thus the shell 4 and the part 34 may be swiveled on the bolt I2 and secured in position by the thumb nut I3, and the part 9 may be swiveled on the part I4 by means of the bolt I and secured by the thumb nut I I, and the part I4 may be adjustably secured to the bracket by the thumb screws I5.

The burner 3 is provided with a plurality of jets I6 that direct flames in directions that are inclined to each other and so as to focus the flames' and produce the higher temperatures at the point of intersection of their directional lines and within the line of direction of the movement of the beads I and near the article, or core. The glass is then fused, and the article, or core, in the vicinity of the point of immediate application, is heated by the flames. .As the glass is fused, it is applied to the article and caused by reason of its fusion to adhere either to the article or to portions of the material that may have been previously deposited upon the mold or shaping body. The guiding tube 2 terminates in a nozzle 1 that extends to near the focusing pointof the flames and thus locates the yieldable-glass near the part to which the glass is applied.

The article or core, depending upon whether the glass is to be applied to an article or is to be shaped into an article, is supported ina chamber I8 having walls that surround the article or core to prevent too rapid chilling of the glass. As

, shown in the drawings, the article, or core, 2I is supported between two end plates or blocks I9 and 20. The blocks may be shaped to fit the interior of the article where the glass is to be added to the material of the article, and the block 20 is shaped to the bottom of the article and the blocks I9 and 20.may be spring pressed towards eachother to yieldingly clamp the article 2I between the blocks. Where a core is used for shaping the glass the core is preferably formed of graphite, .or graphite compound, or is provided with an exterior graphite coating and the shafts are suitably secured to the core. While a tumbler or frustum shaped body is shown for purposes of illustration, yet it is understood that the glass may be applied-to any shaped article or any shaped core or forming body, and means suitable to the shape of the article or core or mold is used for connecting it to its actuating means. Preferably, the blocks are supported on rods or shafts 23 that are rotatably supported in suitable bearings 24 located in the walls 25 of the chamber I 8. Preferably, the rods or shafts ner or smaller portions.

ings 24 to permit axial, as weil as rotative, movement of the article 2I to locate it as may be desired with reference'to 'the fused portion of the glass beads I as it is heated by the flames that are directed towards the glass and the article 2I by the jets I6.

Combinations of axial and rotative movements of the article 2| produce desired relatively inclined, or curvilinear, striations of the glass of the beads that is progressively deposited as contiguous portions thereof are fused. The relative movement between the beads I or nozzle 1 and the article 2I maybe obtained in a great variety of ways, such as by movement of the article relative to the burner, or by movement of the part supporting the article 2l and rotation of the article, or movement of the burner 8, together with the beads I, relative to the article while the work progresses.

In the form of construction shown, a spring 21 operates to clastically press the block I9 against the article 2I, and the block 20 may be normally held in position by means of the ring 28, which is connected to the shaft 23 and engages a side wall 25 of the chamber I8. The axial movement of the article 2| may be produced by the hand of the operator located on the crank 29 which may be pressed axially to shift the article 2I against the pressure of the spring 21, as well as to rotate the article 2I to dispose the fused glass as may be desired.

As is well known in the glass working art.- it is often desirable to anneal or temper shaped glass to eliminate internal strains rthat may, upon slight jar of the glass, cause the glass to crack. In most cases where the shapes are irregular in form, annealing is required, since unequal cooling causes strains as between the thicker and more massive portions andthe thin- Where, however,` the cross sectional areasl throughout the article are uniform, as where the areas Aare relatively small, n

cooling to some degree, yet annealing quite en' tirely eliminates strainsand'stresses that invariably occur in the glass manipulation and is often desirable even through the glass is reinforced by wire. i

The chamber I8 may-be covered by a suitable cover I1 to quite completely enclose and cover the article 2| and thus prevent rapid chilling of the deposited, or applied, glass on the article 2I, and also prevent excessive heat reaching the burner, which interferes with its operation, and they upward convected currents prevent focusing. Preferably, a slot 22 is formed in the cover I1. to enable the .deposition of the fused glass that is produced by heating contiguous portions of the wired glass.

The glass and wire are supported on the reel 43. The reel is rotatively supported on the pipe 45. The wire and the beads threaded thereon are drawn through the tube 2 as the article 2I is rotated. As the. beads move toward the article,

they are heated and naliy fused by the flames projecting from the burners I5 to which gases are directed through the iiexiblepipe 6 and the pipe 46.

Thus beads are fused and readily applied to the article 2| and as the article is shifted or rotated, the glass assembled on the wire will,

together with the wire, be drawn along the paths that are formed according to the axial or rotative movements produced by the operation of the crank 29. By integration of the adjoining glass portions there will be produced a bead-like ridge, when the glass is applied to an article, such as shown at I in Fig. 3, or there will be beadlike assembly, if the glass is formed into a glass article, and, whether an application of glass is produced for decoration purposes or for the formation of glass articles, the wire will operate to reinforce and bind the glass.

The wire 48 used for supporting the glass beads is, preferably, a nichrome wire because of its high melting point'and because of its high tensile strength at a high temperature. Differ- Also where glass and wire are used to form glass articles, and applies the glass to articles, the wir operates to bind the glass. y

The wire-supported glass may partake of many forms. A plurality of wires may be used together in making the striations or in forming articles. In Fig. 4 is shown glass in the form of beads 60 supported on a wire 6|. The beads may be of the same color or may be formed of various colors; they may be varied in size and in shape in order to produce the desired decorative effects in the formation of the ridges 41 or in an article when the glass of the beads is fused into a complete integrated article shape. i

In the form of assembly shown in Fig. 5, beads 60 are supported on a plurality of wires 62, 6J. and 64, and the wires may-be twisted or braided to form a rope-like appearance. The ridges or integrated assembly produced by the fused beads will quite accurately correspond to the braid or rope into which the wires having the beads are formed in advance of their deposition. The effect will be pronounced if the beads on each wire have a color distinctive from that of the bea on the other wires.

In Fig. 6 is shown an illustrative arrangement of bugles 66 supported on the wire 66. 'Ihe bugles may have similar or different colors and when fused as the glass is applied, will ccalesce and integrate, one into the other, to produce striking shades or tints.

In the form of glass assembly shown in Fig. '1, the wire 61 is used for supporting bugles 66 of different colors within tubes 69 which may be of the same or dissimilar colors and causing thereby a corresponding effect in the applique or in the integrated portions when an article is formed therefrom.

By my invention I have also provided means for pre-heating the article or the form or core part. In Fig.v 8 is shown a working oven wherein the part to which the glass is to be applied may be mounted and pre-heated. The article or core part 2| is clamped by means of the spring aos/1,853

21 between the blocks I9 and 20 and is located in the 'chamber I6 having heat insulating walls 26. The part is rotatably supported in the bearings 24 and is movable axially and rotatably by the operation of the crank 29 during the application of the glass to the article. Beneath the part 2| is located an electrical heat element 66. This may be located if desired in the bottom of the chamber I6. Above the part 2| is located the slotted plate I1 and a cover 6|, preferably formed largely of heat insulating material, is located on the top edge of the wall 25 to completely close the chamber and enclose the part 2|. An electric heat unit 62 is mounted in proximity to the part 2|. Preparatory to the application of glass to the part 2|, the plate I1 is removed, and a current is directed to the heating units 68 and 62 by a suitable switch to produce the desired temperature conditions within the chamber I8 and to raise the temperature of the part 2| to the des'red point in advance of the application of the glass in order to insure adhesion or cohesion as the case may be, between the applied glass and the material of which the part is formed, or cohesion of the glass to previously deposited portions. The temperature to which the part 60 is raised will depend upon the character of the material of which the part is formed.

In the form of apparatus illustrated in Fig. 9, an article or core 2|, is rotatably mounted in a working section 65 by the shafts 66 and 61. The shaft 66 -is spring pressed to clamp the part 2| between the blocks I9 and 20 located on the ends of the shafts 66 and 61. If desired, the shaft 61 may be threaded as at 68. The thread may be formed to have the desired pitch in order to bring about the desired longitudinal or axial displacement of the shafts 66 and 61 and the part 2| to produce the deposition of the glass.

The working section 66 is removably supported on the working oven 69 having a suitable burner 1I and a heat distributing shell 10 and operates to maintain the temperature of the part 2| and prevent rapid chilling of the applied glass. The working section 66 may be one of a number of sections having parts 2| supported therein and which may be stacked as may be desired and raised to a suitable temperature by a heating means in advance of the application of the glass to the parts. The working sections may be removed one by one and placed in position on theof the electrical resistance of the nichrome wire',

the wire becomes heated and operates to heat the glass supported on the wire to a fusing temperature. The electric current will pass through one leg of the loop and return through the other leg of the loop and thus complete the circuit.

The block 16 is connected to a suitable reel 18 whose rotation vis frictionally resisted by a suitable brake 19. The block 16 and the looper wire are drawn down by the rotation of the article 2|, andthe glass is applied to the article or core.

A suitable water cooled guide 80 is adjustably supported on the bracket 8| by means of the socket 82 and is secured in position by means of the thumb bolt 83. The guide 80 comprises a shell 84 having, at its upper and lower ends, suitable metal annuli 85 through which the wire 14 and the beads supported thereon are guided. Each annulus 85 is formed hollow, it being provided with the chamber 86 through which water may be directed. Each annulus is connected by means of a pair of pipes 81 for directing water to and from the passageway 86 to chill the guides and prevent adherence of the heated glass prol duced by the electric current that passes through that illustrated in Fig. 12 wherein the beads and bugles will produce exceedingly attractive decorative eiects, as shown at 88.

In the form of apparatus shown in Figs. 13,- 14, 15, and 16, the wire supported glass is progressively raised to a fusing temperature in a tunnel or tower having a plurality of electric heaters. It is formed of a plurality of parts located in sections 90.` The sections are -soformed that they may be stacked to continuously and increasingly heat the glass as it is conveyed to the articles or cores or forms. The supply of current is conducted to the electric heat element 9| through the line 92 in each case, and maybe controlled by suitable electric controllers. The electric heat element 9| is preferably supported on the thin wall tube 93 in each case. The tube 93 is covered with cement and the heat element 9| is imbedded therein. The heat element 9| and the tube 93 are enclosed within a shell 95, and the tube 93 and the Vshell 95 are sustained in spaced and coaxial relation by means of the rings 94 to form an annular chamber ||0. Preferably, an insulating packing material 96 is located in the chamber to heat insulate the heat element 9| from outward radiation. Short sleves 91 are welded to the exterior of each shell 95 preferably at diametrically opposed points. The exterior of the shell 95 is surrounded by suitable heat insulating material 98, such as pipe covering, or the like. The sections are assembled by location of the sleeves 91 in alignment with each other and tied together by means of the tie rods |00 that extend through the sleeves to a supporting frame located above, to which the rods |00 are connected. The tie rods |00 may be threaded into the'plate |0| and thus operate to suspend the apparatus from the .supporting frame.

Beneath the pre-heating elements is located a working oven .or chamber in which .anvarticle or core on which the :glass is depositedis located andis held in operative-.position by means of `the shafts |02 and |03, oneof which, such as the l' shaft |03, is spring pressed towards the shaft cooled guides |06 maybe disposed at desired points within the stack to maintain the heated glass supportedy on the wire |05 in position andy prevent contact of the glass with the hot walls of the furnace.

. The working oven may be provided with suitable heat coils |01 and |08 that are connected to Preferably the `heatedglass Ais guided by a source oi.' supply of electric current through the wires |09. Preferably, the oven is formed Voi? hingedly connected parts and ||6 by means of the'hinges ||1. The lower part may be closed against the upper part and locked in that position by the latch IIB. The part ||5 is bolted to the plate |0| by means of the bolts ||9, and consequently the part ||5is suspended by means of the tie rods |00. The part I6 may be unlatched and allowed to swing downward away from the suspended part ||5 for the purpose of insertion or removal of the article or core.

The article or core is supported between the shafts |02 and |03 that are in turn supported on the brackets |22. If desired, the outer ends of the brackets |22 may be 4provided with recesses or notches |23 in which the ends of the shafts I||'| 2 and |03 may be located. Also, the shafts may be supported between edges of the innerl and outer shells |24 and |25 of the work oven. The shafts |02 and |03 may be secured in their positions for longitudinal and rotative movements by the closing of the part ||6 of the oven. They are slidably operated and rotated by means of the crank |04.

'I'he wall of the working oven, between the inner and outer shells |24 and |25 is packed by suitable asbestos and magnesium compound of a type commonly used `for heat insulating ovens and furnaces. `The work may be observed througha suitable peek-hole |21 that may be closed by a suitable plug |28.

Also, if desired, a heater |32', similar in form to thel heating units 9| may be supported in the top wall of the work oven for maintaining continuity/'of the heat operationv or to further increase the temperature of the oven at the point of entrance of the glass into the work oven.

The wire |05 is located on a reel I 34 that may be supported on the rods |00 by suitable brackets |35. Preferably, the reel |34 is supported on ball bearings, and a brake affording a light frictional resistance to its rotation is provided to properly maintain the desired tension of the wire |05 as the article or core is manipulated by its rotation and longitudinal displacement.

The upper end |36 of the heating chambererably, the opening |30 ris formed to have a conical surfacehto reduce friction and center the .glass withrespect to the tubes .93.

,In 'the modiiiedv form 'of apparatus shown in Figs. 17, 18,19, and 20. the wire is charged with molten` glass which it gathersfrom a working receptacle into which the'glass isr directed. The

vwire thusfsupports the molten glass that is ymaintained inl its rmolten' condition untilit is applied -tothe article orto' the core or other shaping body. The glass may v beapplied very lmuchv more rapidlytdthe varticle by gathering molten glass and depositing it on the article or v' core since'the glass is in a molten state and the tinizedrequired to fuse the solid glass is elimina e The apparatus is provided with one or more suitable pots -rfor containing a quantity of molten glass.' Ifdesired', the glass' batch maybe deposited in the pots and melted'. to produce the glass. Or, if desired, the pots may be filled by glass fromV a furnace in which the glass is melted and transferred to the pots by ladling. Also, a means is provided for directing the glass from the pots to a suitable working receptacle through which the wire is drawn to gather the glass on the wire.

If desired, a. plurality of pots may be used for the purpose of maintaining continuity of supply or for the purpose of feeding to the working receptacle desired quantities of glass of different colors either sequentially or simultaneously for producing different colors or to produce variations or shades of color according to the proportionate quantities of the different colored glass that may be directed into the working receptacle.

As shown in the drawings. the apparatus is supported by suitable frame |42. The pots |43 are located within a suitable furnace having a refractory wall |44 that is secured in position by the frame |42 which may be provided with the usual buck-stays. etc. for strengthening the wall. If desired, the wall may be enclosed within a shell |45 formed of steel plates. The pots |43 are provided with suitable mouths or ports |46 that may be closed by suitable stoppers |41 which, if desired, may be provided with suitable peek holes |48 for the purpose of determining the quantity of the glass within the pot and its condition.

Each pot |43 is provided with an outlet |49 that communicates with a suitable trough |50 that may be formed in the block |5|. Prefer ably, the block |5| is channeled to provide troughs or passageways having inclined bottoms for the delivery of the glass from the pots. The outlet |49 of each pot is controlled by means of refractory clay plug |53 that is supported by a threaded rod |55 and a wheel |56 having a central nut |51 that may be rotated for adjusting the location of the lower end of the plug |53 with reference to the opening |49 to regulate the rate of iiow of the glass from the pot |43.

The channels |50 of the block |5| convey the glass from the pots |43 to the receptacle |60. Preferably, the receptacle may be formed of refractory composition and is provided with an opening to permit movement of the gathering wire through the molten glass. Inasmuch as it is diiiicult to form an opening in the porcelain sufficiently small to prevent escape of glass, a bushing or seal |64, formed of nichrorne metal, is located in the bottom of the receptacle |60. The bushing |64 may be drilled to form an opening having a diameter but slightly larger than that of the wire.

The wire is fed up through a plug |66 that may be supported by a suitable forked rod |61 that extends from the exterior of the wall of the furnace. The plug |66 is located in the block |68 on which is positioned a heating element |69, that surrounds the.lower end of the working receptacle |60 and the portion of the wire located just below the seal, or bushing, |64. The heating element |69 operates to leep the seal hot, particularly the lower end of tige seal, and also to heat the wire |62 in advancef its entrance into the working receptacle |60. The space surrounding the Working receptacle and the heaters |6| and |69 and within the working chamber may be lled with heat insulating material |1| to prevent outward radiation and concentrate the heat on the wire and conserve the heat of the glass in the working receptacle.

Thewire passes through the glass |10 located in the receptacle and, by reason of the coherence of the glass to the Wire, it draws the glass up- Wardly with the wire. The wire and the glass surrounding the wire may be drawn by rotation of the article or core 2| that may be suitably supported between the shafts |12 and |13 and caused to' rotate and shift axially as by a crank in the same manner that the articles or cores 2| are rotated in other forms of apparatus heretofore described. The wire |62 and the glass supportedthereon may pass up through a guide |15 which preferably is water cooled by means of water that may be directed to the guide through the pipes |16 from a source of supply of water.

A shell |11 is located around the guide |16 and when the desired amount of glass has been applied to the articles or the molds as in the manner described in connection with the other forms of apparatus, the glass and wire may be clipped off and bent laterally so as to engage the upper edge of the shell |11. In starting again the application of the glass to the form, the bent end of the wire and glass may be drawn up suillciently so that fresh hot glass may be applied to it and the cold glass and wire above the fresh hot glass may be clipped oif and the application started at the point where the glass is hot.

The furnace is heated by one or more burners, such as the burners |80, which direct the fuel to and from a flame in the heating chamber |8|. The glass in the pots |43 will thus be heated since their bottoms cover the chamber |8|. They are located in the chamber |82.

Also, the working chamber |83 and the drawing chamber |18 of the furnace may be heated by opening the gates |04 and |85, which will cause the chambers to be heated. When it is desired to alter the mechanism of the Working chamber for the purpose of varying the method of operation, or for repair of the apparatus in the working chamber |83, the gates |84 and |85 may be closed to enable the lworking chamber and the apparatus located in the working chamber to cool.

Also, in order to enableV threading of the wire |62, the chamber |83 may be provided with an opening |81 that. may be closed by a suitable door |88. The door |88 maybe counterbalanced by a suitable weight |86 and a cable that passes over a suitable sheave |19. Also, in order to enable removal or replacement of the article or core, the upper end of the chamber |83 may be provided with a cover |90, which may be readily removed. Or, if desired, the article or core may be removed through the opening |92, which is closed by a shell |93 and may be secured in its closed position by means of the sliding bar or door |94 that may be raised or lowered by means of the handle |95.

If desired, the shaft |13 may be provided with thread |96 to move the article or the core axially as it is rotated. The lower edge of the bar |94 ing thread that corresponds to the thread of the threaded portion |96. The thread of the recess |91 will cause the shaft |13 to advance according to the pitch of the thread as the shaft is rotated. The pitch of the thread is such as to advance the core or mold according to the helical form that it is desired to apply consecutive turns of the glass on the article or core.

'I'he portion ofl the furnace that encloses or forms the working chamber |83 may be modified to accommodate mechanism for working the glass, such as the working sections 65, shown in Fig. 9, whereby the article or'core may be pre-heated may be provided with an arcuate recess |91 hav- 50 vpasses out throughthe: tapered end 2|0. of thein stacks of such sections and placed in position to receive the glass that is drawn from the work-j ing receptacle |60 bymeans of the wire |62 and then may be, subsequently restored to the stack of such sections, or to another stack of sections in which the glass may be annealed.

As a further illustration of the modication of the'working part of the apparatus, means may be provided within the working chamber for drawing the wire'` down through the working receptacle |60 and vdrawing with it the desired amount of glass asshown in Fig. 21. When the wire isdrawn downward through the glass in the glass receptacle and through the bottom of the working receptacle |60, the amount of glass deposited on the wire can be regulated with greater accuracy than when the wire isv drawn upward through the glass. This is due to the fact that the wire may-be drawn through a refractory tube 204 that may be adjustably supported by means of a threaded sleeve 205 to regulate the glass flow. 'Ihe tube 204 has a head 206 that is engaged by an inturned flange or lip 201 formed on the lower end of the threaded sleeve 205. The threaded sleeve '205 is supported by a U bracket 208 and a nut 209 that may be rotated and, by

reason of the thread on the sleeve 205, may be advanced as may be desired'to adjust the height of the tube 204 with reference to the bottom of the working receptacle 203 and, more particularly, with reference to the opening 2|| formed in the bottom of the receptacle. The tube 204 has a tapered end 2|0 that extends into the opening 2|| to form an annular outlet for the glass. The glass moves through the opening 2|| in quantities dependent upon the location -of the tapered end 2|0 in the opening and alsdaccording to the depth of glass in the working receptacle 203 which is controlled by the amount of the glass that is allowed to ow into the receptacle through the outlet ports |49 as controlled by the plugs |53.

The tube 204 is held inrigid alignment by means of the sleeve 2 I 2 which is secured in position by the arms 2|3 that are cast with the plate 2|4 and the sleeve 2|2. Also, the Uf-bracket 208 is cast integral with the plate 2|4.

The wire is located on the reel 2|6 and is threaded through the sleeve 205 and the tube 204. and the glass is deposited thereon as the'wire tube 204 land to the article or core 2|, whereit is applied as and Iin the manner heretofore described. The heater |69 operates 'to keep the glass hot as -it spreads over the tapered end 2|0 of the tube 204. The delivery of the glass to the wire being inclose'proximity to the point oi' application of the .glass to the article orto the form for shaping the ,':glass that may thus be delivered to the wire affords an .exceedingly eective method of applicationiof .the lglas'sfox, formation of lthe glass into glass. articles, by reason of the l fact that the glass does not have opportunity to titions 223 to form three'chambers 224 through which wires 225 may be drawn after having been heated by the heat element 226 which surrounds the wires. The working receptacle and the heat element 226 are supported on the block |68, and the wires pass through the block 221 which serves a similar purpose as the block |66. The wires 225 are drawn upward to the articles and, when covered with the glass, may be guided through such a guide as the water cooled guide and then applied to an article or core as may be desired.

If desired, the space surrounding the receptacle 220 and the heater 226 and within the chamber in which the receptacle 220 is located may be fitted with a suitable heat insulating material.

When the form ofr feeder shown in' Fig. 22 is used, glass of the same or different colors may be used separately, alternately or-simultaneously to secure the desired decorative eifect either on articles to which glass is applied or in the articles which may be formed by the deposition and integration of the turns of glass on the core.

If itis desired to apply molten glass to a beaded wire, the working receptacle 23| may be used in place of the receptacle |60 and the wire on'which they beads or bugles 230 are supported may be drawn downward through a tube or shell 232 having, preferably a relatively large interior diameter to prevent contact of the glass of the beads with the heated wall of the tube. The lower end of the tube 232 is provided with a relatively small opening 233, and the lower end of the tube 232 forms an annular passageway through which the molten glass may ow onto the beads 230 and the wire that supports the beads to produce fusion of the beads and coalescence of the glass of the beads and the glass from the working receptacle. The wire is then, together with the fused glass, directed to .the article, or the core, or forming mold for the application of the glass or the formation of glass articles.

I claim:

1. The method of working glass which consists in disposing glass on a wire, fusing the glass to fuse the glass to the'wire to maintain a continuous fused glass strand, progressively moving the strand, shaping the strand-'by flexing the strand during its movement and fwhile. the glass is in a Vfused-condition, depositing the strand upon a support having glass adherable material ,and bonding portions of the said. strand' by the glass adherable material to form .from the strand an article having external dimensions different from that ofthe strand.

2. The method .of working ,glass which consists in supportingffused glass of a predetermined 1 form on :a wire',"-.moving the glass land wire, and

shaping-.- the glass during the #movement while the glass is infits'fused condition by flexing the of the strand.

3. The method of working glass which consists in fusing glass to a wire. progressively moving the glass and wire, shaping the glass and -wireby iiexing the glass and the wire during the movement and depositing the glass and wire upon 4 a support while the glass is in a fused dimensions different from that of the strand.

4. The method of working glass which oonsists in forming a continuous strand of fused glass on a wire to maintain the glass on the wire united and of substantially uniform cross-section, moving the glass and wire and shaping the glass and wire during the movement and while the glass is in its fused condition by flexing the wire and glass and depositing the glass and wire on a support and locating portions of the glass in contact with glass adherable material located on the support while the glassy is in a fused condition and thereby uniting the glass to glass adherable material as it is deposited.

5. A method of working glass which consists in continuously disposing molten glass on a moving wire to produce a glass strand of substantially uniform cross-sectional area, relatively moving the wire and a support having glass adherable material located thereon to produce desired directive disposition of the glass on the support and flex the wire in conformity to the shape of the support upon movement of the support and wire, one relative to the other, and bonding proximate portions of the wire-charged glass by fusion of the said portions with the said glass adherable material located on the support.

6. The method of working glass which consists in discharging molten glass on a wire to produce a stream of desired cross-sectional shape and to maintain continuity of the glass stream and connecting a portion of the wire to a support, relatively movingthe support and the stream to ex the stream to cause it to conform to the shape of the support as the support vand the wire are moved one relative to the other and progressively directing portions of the stream into contact with previously deposited portions of the stream to produce from the stream a glass layer on the support conforming to the configuration of the support.

7. The method of working glass which consists in supporting a strand of glass of a predetermined form on a plurality of wires, moving the glass and wires, melting the glass to fuse the glass to the wires during the movement thereof and shaping the glass during the movement and while the glass is in its molten condition, by flexing the strand and depositing it upon a support and in contact with glass adherable material thereon and thereby securing portions of the wires to the support and subsequently depositing other portions of the glass strand and wires` on the support.

8. The method of working glass which consists in disposing glass on a wire, fusing the glass to fuse theglass to the wire to form a continuous strand of-fused glass, progressively moving the strand, shaping the strand by flexing the strand A during` its movement andwhile the` glass is in a fused condition, `depositingthe strand upon a l support having thereon a glass adherable material in such manner that the strand substantially encloses an area, and bonding portions of the said strand by the glass adherable material to form' from the strand a unitary article having external dimenions different from that of the strand.

9. An article of manufacture comprising surface fused portions of a single glass strand having a wire located within and extending lengthwise of the said strand and portions thereof, the said portions forming a space-enclosing, unitary article having dimensions other than that of the glass strand.

10. The method of working glass which consists in depositing molten glass on a plurality of wires to form a plurality of strands, flexing the strands and depositing them upon a support in such a manner that portions of each of the strands conform to the configuration of the support, and bonding the portions of-the strands by surface fusion at their points of contact as the said portions are deposited to form an article having dimensions different from that of the strands.

l1. The method of working glass which consists in drawing wire downwardly through molten glass to produce a glass strand and maintain continuity of the glass strand' and directing the wire and the glass to a support, relatively moving the support and the strand to flex the strand to cause it to conform to the shape of the support as the support and the strand are moved, one relative to the other, to produce from the glass of the strand a glass article conforming to the conguration of the support.

l2. The method of working glass which consists in drawing a wire downwardly through molten glass to produce a glass strand and moving the said Wire at a rate to produce the desired crosssectional area of the glass of the strand and directing the strand to a support having glass adherable material, relatively moving the support and the strand to flex the strand to cause it to conform to the shape of the support and produce fusion of the glass with the glass adherable material, to produce an article conforming to the configuration of the support.

13. 'I'he method of working glass which consists in drawing wire downwardly through molten glass to deposit glass on the wire, forming a cross' sectional area of the glass of the strand thus formed according to the rate of movement of the wire through the molten glass and connecting the strand to a support, relatively moving the support and the strand while holding the wire of the strand taut to flex the strand and direct the strand to desired points on the support and progressively directing portions of the strand to contact with previously deposited portions of the strand while the glass of the strand is still in a molten state to produce from the strand an integrated glass container conforming to the configuration of the support.

14. The method of working glass which consists in drawing wire downwardly through molten glass to produce a controlled molten glass stream having a cross-section according to the rate of movement of the wire through the molten glass, directing the glass stream to a support and moving the support relative to the stream to progressively direct portions of the stream into contact with previously deposited portions of the stream to producefrom the glass of the stream a glass article conforming to the `configuration of the support.

15. The method of vworking glass which consists in supporting a strand of glass of a predetermined form on a wire, moving the glass and wire, fusing the glass to fuse the glass to the wire during movementl thereof and shaping the glass during the movement while in its fused condition by flexing the strand 'and depositing it upon a support as it is exed and is brought into contact with portions of the strand previously deposited on the support and thereby progressively fusing the contacting portions of the strand to each other.

16. The method of working glass which consists in disposing glass on a wire, fusing the glass to fuse the glass to the wire to form a continuous strand of fused glass, progressively moving the strand, shaping the strand by iexing the strand during its movement and, whilethe glass is in a fused condition, depositing the strand upon a support having thereon glass adherab'le material, moving the support and strand one relative to the other to progressively deposit fused glass on the support and anchor the wire to the support and form within the strand an enclosed area, the portions of the strand contiguous to the previously anchored points of the wire guided bythe wire in the deposition of the said contiguous portions as the strand and the support move one` relative to the other.

1'1. The method of working glass which consists in supporting fused glass on a wire to maintain a continuity of the fused glass in strand form of substantially uniform cross-sectional Y area and directing the strand to a support while the glass is in a fused state and flexing the strand and depositing the strand upon the support and securing the glass and wire in position by fusion of the glass to glass located on the support as the strand is deposited on the support. i

. EDWARD DANNER. 

